Treasures

Gavin, my 5 year old grandson, was frantic this morning. "Help me, Poppa. I have to find it." We looked around and finally uncovered the object- a 10 cent string of plastic beads that he claimed was 'very special' because a good friend gave it to him. It was just a trinket to me, but to him it was a treasure! I enjoy learning about what others treasure. My new friend, Anthony, loves to collect old Bibles. He has built a beautiful cabinet in his office where he displays dozens of big, old Bibles. My Dad treasures kids, and not just those to whom he is a parent. Mom and Dad adopted 10 after raising their own offspring, but over the years they have shared their home with too many kids to count (no exaggeration in that statement). Jake enjoys collecting guitars. Some collect stamps, others collect coins, still others buy up fine art!

Is it right for a Believer to own and enjoy things?

There has always been tension among Christians about this. Philip Yancey observes (Christianity Today, Nov. 2007) that the Church has sang both "This Is My Father's World" and "This World is Not My Home" with equal fervor through the years! He describes his recent tour of England while reading John Wesley's journals. Wesley had little time for culture, art, or even flower gardens as he saw this present world as being of so little worth compared with his home in Heaven. If any person was not ready to take a vow of poverty in the name of Christ, Wesley felt the sincerity of that person's devotion was in question! Yet, other Believers through the centuries to this present time, have deeply loved God while creating beautiful gardens, buildings, music, and art.

Jesus helps us with this by reminding us that no earthly treasure can be allowed to become our master. God, alone, must hold the central place in our life. Old Bibles, guitars, and art are great as a hobby, even as something to enjoy with pleasure, but they are poor gods to serve. That is why the Lord says, "Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." (Matthew 6:19-21, The Message) The core issue is learning the difference between enjoyment and worship, between making something the source of the meaning of life and enjoying it in proper priority.

Because we are so very different, the level at which we should enjoy the things of this world will vary. A man once came to Jesus to inquire about becoming his disciple and finding eternal life. He was very moral, claiming to have observed the Commandments scrupulously. Jesus did not question the truthfulness of that claim, but knowing his heart, he challenged the young nobleman to go and sell everything he owned and then he said, "come, follow me." "But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." (Matthew 19:22, NLT) His true treasure was revealed in that last line - he would not let go of what he loved most - his wealth! For many of us raised in a wealthy land, consumers to the core, a call similar to the one issued to that rich young man may be in order! The only cure for our materialism may well be radical surgery!

For others, the discipline of proportionate giving, the tithe (10%), is what reminds them of the Lord's ownership of all. They have learned to hold loosely the things that are in their lives, loving God more than anything in this world. To each of us, Jesus puts the question that He put to Peter as He pointed to the fishing boats, the familiar life of Capernaum - "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15, NLT)

Here's a word from the Word to ponder today.
"True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:6-10, NLT)
___________________

Modern times have brought us many comforts.
People live in wealth and luxury.
But the Master still asks this question,
"Lovest thou Me, lovest thou MeMore than these?"

"Lovest thou Me,More than these, My child?
"What will your answer be?O precious Lord,
I love Thee more than all of these,
More than fame, more than wealth,
More than the world.

I love Thee more than this old world can offer,
All sinful follies I deny for Thee,
My love, my life, my all
I pledge Thee,I love Thee Lord,
I love Thee Lord,
More than these.

Lovest Thou Me
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